Modern Microfarm to Market Consulting

Packaging for Agriculture

Worried about your produce Packaging?

If you spend any length of time in FaceBook groups for any method of farming, you will see questions about packaging on a regular basis. When people show their farmer’s market set up, deliveries, CSA boxes, or restaurant harvests; you immediately get the “where did you get your packaging” Question.

I’m going to do you a big favor. Here are Five things to consider before you hit the Packaging Panic Button.

Are you even ready for packaging?

What will you be growing?

How do your future clients want to buy?

How much quantity will you be able to turn?

On Purchasing: Do you want capital and storage space tied up on bulk orders early on?

As someone who knows exactly what it’s like to sit on the verge of going all in on a farm, I know how every detail races through your head. Hell, I worried about packaging, labels, and branding too. Today, as someone who gets to speak both in person and on virtual events to many new farmers I now have the perspective on how to deal with packaging.

If you haven’t bought land, decided on a growing method, bought a system, or decided crops and varieties; it is not the time to waste brain power on the packaging decision.

Deciding on your crop and variety based on your market’s needs and demands, your climate, and ability will affect your end product and in turn your packaging.

Lines of thought can get out of line fast.

If you mono-crop how many sizes of boxes will you need? What about liners? Labels? Will you need palletizing equipment for wholesale distribution? Should this be automated? Do you need a reefer truck now? Should I get a CDL? What’s that going to cost in insurance?!?!

Stop, calm the flip down.

Who is your client?

What can they consume in a week if you are at farmer’s markets? You want packages that are consumable within that week because, you know, it would be great if they come to see you every week.

Does the restaurant you want to sell to have limited dumpster space? Do they want plastic crates or cardboard boxes? What do you mean you haven’t talked to a restaurant yet?

You are building a 10’x20′ greenhouse in your back yard and want to get into your local grocery store chain. Let me know how the conversation with the produce manager goes when they tell you they need a guarantee of 10x what you could ever grow.

Until you have begun market research, you are spinning your packaging wheels. Through the market discovery, you will be told what packages to start putting out for bid. Yes, you will have to do research on Price, minimum quantities must be purchased, and shipping charges. You might want to ask what size of trucks will be delivering your new packages. If you are buying pallets, do you need space, racks, or pallet jacks to store the bulk? Is the temperature controlled, so your thousands of dollars of new shiny packages don’t warp in the heat of a barn or warehouse?

I can just about assure you two facts. You won’t need pallets your first few months. And, you will change the size, style, and source of you packaging at least once during your product development and pivots bringing that product to your end user.

Living Head Clamshell. Multi-use packaging.

Packaging tips for farm start-ups.

In the beginning, ask for samples from these packaging vendors.

Buy as little as you need until you have tested with your process, workflow, and client feedback.

The cheapest isn’t necessarily in your best interest.

Neither is the most expensive.

There is something to be said for simplicity.

Multi-use packaging will save you both time and cash in the long run. (I’m down to 4 containers)

Developing a relationship with a salesperson who has been with a company for a good length of time who gives a damn about you and your farm will be worth a few pennies here and there. Universal vendor tip right here.

Make sure you are buying packaging that is pretty standard and not in danger of becoming discontinued.

Ask what happens when (and you will) get a box in that is damaged or has quality issues.

What payment terms can be issued?

What are the lead times you will be dealing with? Do not run out of packaging!

Make sure when packing into your transport boxes a good amount fits inside securely without wiggle room.

Never forget to ask about additional shipping charges.

Ask about how your package will arrive. Fed Ex and UPS is one thing, an 18 Wheeler down your muddy driveway is another.

Can the trucks turn around and unload efficiently?

Ask when the next price break takes place, consider the extra expense up front if you can save significantly and you are making faster turns.

Use your network. Can you do a split order with another farmer?

Test your market as much as possible. Take those samples to a small group of people within your ideal client avatar. Ask their opinion, concerns, and first impressions. Is the packaging easy to use? Can your clients open and close them easily and securely?

Do your labels adhere quickly and securely to the packaging?

Make sure both the COST and SHIPPING are plugged into your final price point.

Packaging resources.

For a list of ten packaging resources click this link. The first two I use. The rest are ones I looked into. I am not affiliated with any of these on the list. Do your due diligence when selecting a vendor.

Nick Burton, Founder: Growers Coach

Owner of multiple companies, public speaker, and coach of hydroponic & farm to market agricultural operations. With 20 years in the green industry we have the experience, resources, and connections to bring your farm to the next level of profit and sustainable operation.